SHORT-SPOKEN Synonyms: 77 Similar and Opposite Words

short-spoken

adjective

ˈshȯrt-ˌspō-kən

Definition of short-spoken

as in blunt

being or characterized by direct, brief, and potentially rude speech or manner don't expect much information or friendly chitchat from the short-spoken villagers

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for short-spoken

Adjective

McConville died of multiple blunt force injuries, according to the coroner’s office news release, and his death has been ruled an accident.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 4 Sep. 2026
Adrian Fontes, who, as the secretary of state of Arizona is one of the local officials who would be impacted by losing funding for election security, gave a blunt assessment to NPR.

— Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of blunt

Adjective

The Big Ten enters this week largely unscathed after Week 1, with 15 of its teams winning in regulation, another needing assistance from clock operators and two falling considerably short.

— Scott Dochterman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The Late Show won for writing, short form comedy, picture editing, technical direction and camerawork, and lighting design — all a fond farewell to the show.

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of short

Adjective

Newcastle signed 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aladji Bamba from Monaco of France’s Ligue 1, while Howe’s abrupt departure after almost five years as head coach was another complicating factor in their pursuit of Bergvall.

— Jay Harris, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026
The news was abrupt and surprised much of the media industry, as the company included little details about the situation in its statement.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of abrupt

Adjective

His only hope to get home turns out to be Nick (Kenneth Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent who loves American pop culture and is really good in a fight.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Known for his gruff vocals, LaMontagne first came to the scene in the early aughts as a timid troubadour.

— Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of gruff

Adjective

In recent years, Flav has been outspoken in his efforts to drive social change, from helping Black families displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires last year to championing women’s sports and Olympic athletes.

— Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Sep. 2026
Kirk was also outspoken about his controversial political views during debates and podcasts, such as his pro-life and anti-gun control stances, criticism of LGBTQ+ and person of color rights and conservative opinions about the roles of women.

— Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of outspoken

Adjective

After three minutes of routine and relatively curt responses, Redick was asked about the difficulty of closing a team out in a playoff series.

— Law Murray, New York Times, 1 May 2026
There are at least three potential James Bonds among these actors, and each displays his own brand of curt, strapping charm.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2026

Definition of curt

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“Short-spoken.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/short-spoken. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of short-spoken

adjective

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